Clarene Ione Yonkers

Clarene Ione Yonkers

Clarene Ione Yonkers died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, at Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado with her family by her side. She was born Oct. 12, 1931, in Glenwood Springs to Albert Oleson and Ione Carpenter. In 1949, she graduated as valedictorian from Eagle County High School in Gypsum.She married Russell Ping in 1950. The marriage ended in divorce. On Feb. 25, 1969, she married Thomas Yonkers and moved to Edwards.She and Tom owned Whitewater Package Liquor in Edwards for many years. They retired in Grand Junction in the late 1990s. Following Tom’s death in 2002, Clarene moved to Craig to be closer to her daughter, Karen. She lived in Craig until her death. She enjoyed dancing, puzzles, playing cards, bingo, playing the piano and crocheting. She and Tom enjoyed vacationing in Las Vegas, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.In addition to her husband, Tom, she was preceded in death by her parents, brother Sam Oleson, and stepdaughter Shelly Yonkers.Clarene is survived by her children, Michael Ping, of Grand Junction, Ronnie (JoJo) Ping, of Montrose, Rick Ping, of Gypsum, Kathy (Bob) Hammer, of Soldotna, Alaska, and Karen (Josh) Zimmerman, of Craig; stepdaughters Linda (David) McFann, of Denver, and Cindy Hersey, of Alaska; brother Jack Oleson and sister Linda Reynolds; and 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.A celebration of her life was Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Memorial Hospital Foundation in memory of Clarene Yonkers.